Strictly Come Dancing’s grand finale had to be rearranged in light of the injury to AJ Odudu, who left the show.
Saturday’s episode will air from 7pm to 9.05pm. This gives fans more than two hours of dance fun.
With only two remaining couples to compete for the trophy, the bosses had to reduce the run time by cutting it short by fifteen minutes.
Changes: Strictly Come Dancing’s grand final has had to undergo a last minute format change in the wake of AJ Odudu quitting the show due to injury
The TV schedules now reveal that Strictly Finale on BBC One will start slightly later, at 7.10pm. It will end at 9pm.
Rose Ayling Ellis, EastEnders’ actress and partner Giovanni Pernice will battle it out against John Whaite star and Johannes Radebe in the highly anticipated episode.
Strictly’s final fell apart on Friday when AJ Odudu (33), pulled out at the last moment after sustaining ligament damage in her foot while practicing this week.
Kai Widdington (26) and Kai, the TV presenter, broke down together on Friday’s “It Takes Two” as Kai was forced to leave.
Edit: However, with just two couples left to complete for the glitterball trophy, bosses have had to alter the running time, cutting the show short by 15 minutes (Pictured: AJ and Kai Widdrington)
Rylan Clark Neal spoke to AJ, who was ‘gutted” after she watched a Strictly clip. She shared that it wasn’t what they wanted.
AJ said, “Do you know, it was the most fun and the Monday rehearsals were the best. We were so excited that we decided to do the Charleston and the jive. What a great way to finish our experience.”
“My ligament is rupturing and my ankle has given way. It’s not going to happen. It’s a terrible loss. We were all set to smash it.
“This wasn’t how we planned to go out. But, even if you look back at those moments, it was an absolute joy dancing with Kai each week. So thank you.
Cut down: Now, TV schedules reveal that the Strictly final on BBC One will kick off slightly later at 7.10pm, ending at 9pm
Two horse race: Now Saturday’s live final will see just John Whaite and Johannes Radebe and Rose Ayling Ellis and Giovanni Pernice compete for the Glitterball Trophy, with a source telling MailOnline that the last minute drama is a ‘disaster’
Kai reflected upon their energetic dances, and said that they were aiming to change them to help AJ. However, Kai also stated that her injury wasn’t too serious.
After topping the leaderboard and scoring their first perfect score, the pro dancer said he was happy they “went out on an emotional high from last week” after achieving 40 points.
Friday’s statement from AJ stated that he was deeply disappointed to be unable to compete in the final because of a ruptured ligament in his right ankle. It has been an amazing honor to learn to dance in the past 13 weeks. To do so with someone like Kai, who is patient and dedicated to it, will be something that I will treasure for a lifetime.
“Thank you to my Strictly family, medical staff, and most importantly, everyone back at home, for all their support and watching. This was an unforgettable experience.
Emotional: Kai Widdington and AJ Odudu wept on Friday’s episode of It Takes Two, their first television appearance since being fired from the program.
It’s sad news. The 33-year-old presenter had to withdraw from the grand final because of ligament damage sustained during rehearsals. (Photo: Friday).
“Strictly Come Dancing” was a dream of mine for a long time. I am so happy it is now a reality. John, Johannes, Rose and Giovanni are my dance partners. “I will cheer you on, (on one leg!)
AJ had been hoping to push through the injury and even offered to dance in her medical boot so she could compete with dance partner and rumoured boyfriend Kai, but medical professionals deemed her unfit to compete.
Strictly Come Dancing will continue on Saturday, 18 December at 7.10pm on BBC One
AJ released the following statement: “I am deeply disturbed that I am unable perform in final due to a tear ligament in my right foot.”
It’s over. AJ had to let go of her dreams of taking home the trophy at the glitterball and issued a statement expressing her disappointment